Despite our work in this space we are aware that so much more still needs to be done. We will continue to do everything we can to amplify peoples voices and reduce health inequalities.
Our work with communities
We want to make sure everyone is able to make end-of-life decisions that reflect what matters to them. And that their wishes are recorded and respected.
Tackling health inequalities
Many people aren’t aware they can record their end-of-life wishes in advance. Others need translations or support to understand information. For some, health and care professionals won’t know what matters to them culturally or spiritually. If people do not have access to information and support that meets their individual needs, any health inequalities they face will continue to grow.
We partner with local organisations to work alongside diverse communities and provide bespoke support with end-of-life planning. We work collaboratively with community members, volunteers and health and care professionals to tailor our information to make it accessible to as many people as possible. We also help local service providers, GPs and Integrated Care Systems (ICSs) to create practical tools that enable more people to understand the benefits of recording their wishes and get started.
Featured projects
Advance Care Planning in Newham
For 12 months from April 2022, Compassion in Dying worked with the Adults and Health Commissioning Team and other Newham-based organisations, including local community, faith and voluntary sector groups, to provide information, support and training on Advance Care Planning.
Read the project report summary (PDF, 5.2 MB)
A Snapshot of Me
Since 2016 we have run several projects alongside SubCo Trust who provide support to older people from South Asia and East Africa. The SubCo team are experts in developing innovative culturally and linguistically appropriate services.
Read the project report – A snapshot of me (PDF, 434 KB)
Lambeth’s Portuguese-speaking communities
Since 2018, we’ve been supporting Portuguese-speaking people in Lambeth to consider, document and share their end-of-life wishes. This created more meaningful discussions between people and health and social care professionals, leading to better health outcomes.
Read the project report – Faith, food and family (PDF, 506 KB)
Tie Your Camel First
This pioneering project engaged the Somali community in planning ahead for end-of-life care and treatment. We worked closely with a group of older Somali women living in Tower Hamlets, in partnership with Women’s Health and Family Services.
Read the project report – Tie your camel first (PDF, 524 KB)
Tea, Talk and Samosas
We partnered with Age UK Lancashire to engage the South Asian community in Great Harwood, Hyndburn. Working closely with a group of older South Asian women, we helped raise awareness of the importance of planning ahead and developed culturally sensitive resources.
Read the project report – Tea, talk and samosas (PDF, 461 KB)
My Life, My Decision
This project supported over 50s to think about and plan their end-of-life care in advance. The programme tested new ways of engaging people and communities, and developed a person-centred service that supported people to express and properly record their wishes.
Read the project report summary (PDF, 2 MB)